Longfellow Plaza in Anderson, IN

Pros

• The staff always goes to whatever lengths to make people feel welcome and good about themselves.
• Longfellow Plaza is a wonderful place.
• The apartments are updated and new.
• The staff that work there are really caring and wonderful employees.
• There are always activities for the residents to do.
• They have a really nice large community room that they all get to use.
• The managers are excellent, and maintenance is good.
• The building seems well kept.

Cons

• Just another place where they warehouse our elders.
• They claim to be run by a foundation and to be a beautiful non-profit, but that claim is not true.
• The operation is horrible, with elders warehoused.
• Front office staff are not very friendly.
• It feels like a small prison.
• Residents and staff are overly nosy and mind others' business.
• Activities are limited due to the pandemic.
• There isn't much to do nearby.

Review

Longfellow Plaza in Anderson, Indiana is best suited for retirees and adults with disabilities who want an affordable, apartment-style living situation with genuinely responsive staff and accessible design. It works well for residents who do not need constant on-site medical oversight but value maintenance-free living, predictable rent, and a built-in social framework that can be accessed through the property's activities. The building offers updated, well-kept units and a large community room that fosters connection, along with income-based options that can make affordable housing sustainable on a fixed income. In short, this is not a hospital wing; it is an apartment community with caregiving support when needed and a focus on independence wrapped in supportive service.

Those who may want to consider alternatives include individuals seeking a bustling, activity-rich campus with frequent outings and a full calendar of on-site amenities. The reviews show mixed feelings about social life; some residents report plenty of programs, while others describe limited activity options that can fade depending on staff availability or budget for events. Prospective residents who crave consistent, proactive front-office engagement and a sense of privacy from the "busybody" culture described by some family members may find the atmosphere stifling. For anyone highly sensitive to cigarette smoke, the presence of smoking areas and odor in shared spaces can be a practical concern. Families prioritizing stronger on-site medical oversight will likely want something with greater care availability.

On balance, the strongest positives are clear: staff members who go to great lengths to make residents feel welcome, a caring, professional front-line team, and well-maintained apartments that modernized living without sacrificing affordability. There is no shortage of social stimulus: activities exist, a spacious community room is available for gatherings, and weekly church services and bingo are noted as starting or resumed items. The proximity to downtown amenities via nearby bus access expands independence for those without a car, and the riverbank scenery provides a pleasant backdrop for strolls. Most residents praise management for responsiveness, with a Service Coordinator who actively connects residents with the care and services they need. The income-based model adds a meaningful affordability lever.

Where the assessment becomes more nuanced are the trade-offs. A handful of reviewers describe reservations about the overall vibe - some feel the building can feel closed in or intrusive, with residents who are overly involved in each other's matters. A few readers recount unfriendly front-office interactions, while others caution that access to robust activities can fluctuate based on staffing and budget. The self-contained nature means outings require planning, and for those without reliable transportation, options beyond occasional church or nearby shops can feel limited. There's also mention of smoke odors in and around apartments and common areas, a real consideration for residents with respiratory sensitivity. These factors temper otherwise strong signals of comfort and safety.

Still, the key pro-structure - the staff dedication, the clean, updated units, and the proven sense of community - tends to offset these friction points for the right individual. For a person who wants a quiet, predictable environment where kindness and assistance are available without the expense or complexity of a full-service assisted living, Longfellow Plaza delivers. The ability to live car-free with access to transit, groceries, and a riverfront setting matters a great deal to preserving independence in younger seniors or those just stepping down from family home life. The service coordination layer is meaningful, helping residents navigate care, appointments, and daily needs with a respectful, hands-on approach that makes life easier without turning the building into a medical campus.

Bottom line: Longfellow Plaza is best for retirees and disabled adults who want affordable, accessible apartments with a warm, engaged staff and a social structure they can lean on without surrendering independence. Those seeking a lively, highly programmed campus, or requiring intense, on-site medical supervision, should explore alternatives - ideally places with more generous activity calendars, stronger privacy, and easier access to full-service care. For anyone considering Longfellow, approach with a plan: tour the property, talk to current residents about day-to-day routines, confirm the level of front-office engagement, and verify the reliability of transportation options and nearby conveniences. The decision hinges on balancing the value of a caring community and affordable living against the desire for more exhaustive programming and a tighter sphere of resident autonomy.

Located in Anderson, Indiana, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. With several restaurants and cafes within walking distance, residents can enjoy a range of dining options. For healthcare needs, there are multiple physicians' offices and hospitals nearby, providing convenient access to medical services. Additionally, pharmacies are easily accessible for medication needs. The area also offers several parks for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Public transportation is available with the Anderson Train station nearby. Places of worship such as Grace Baptist Church and Madison Park Church of God provide spiritual support for residents. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of conveniences and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment in Anderson.

Restaurants

• Train Stop Deli (0.2 miles)
• Creatures of Habit Brewing Co. (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Burro Loco (0.4 miles)
• Frisch's Anderson Big Boy (1 miles)
• Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken (1.1 miles)
• Genes Root Beer (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Madison County Community Health Center (0.4 miles)
• Women's Health Specialists (0.6 miles)
• Christopher Melin Md (0.6 miles)
• Anderson Center For Sight (0.6 miles)
• Central Indiana Otolaryngology (0.6 miles)
• David L Martin (0.6 miles)
• St Johns Medical Arts (0.7 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Regional Balance Center (0.6 miles)
• Saint John's Cancer Center (0.6 miles)
• St Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital (0.6 miles)
• St Johns Hospital (0.7 miles)
• Anderson Center Saint John's Health System (0.7 miles)
• Med Check Urgent Care Center (1.8 miles)
• Tahir, Nighat Dr-Community Rheumatology/Anderson (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• Jackrabbit Coffee (0.6 miles)
• Bobber's Cafe (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Genoa Healthcare Center For Mental Health (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)

Parks

• Fairview Park (1.2 miles)
• Shadyside Activity Center (1.3 miles)
• Shadyside Park (1.5 miles)
• Shadyside Trails (1.7 miles)
• Pulaski Park (2.1 miles)
• Mounds State Park (3 miles)

Transportation

• Anderson Train (2 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Grace Baptist Church (3.2 miles)
• Madison Park Church of God (3.9 miles)
• Florida Station Church Of God (4 miles)
• Middletown United Methodist Church (8.1 miles)